Duterte against extrajudicial killings, says Yasay

MANILA, Philippines - In a televised interview, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said that President Rodrigo Duterte is against extrajudicial killings.

"He specifically stood up firmly against violations of human rights and assured our ASEAN community that he is firmly against extrajudicial killings." said Yasay.

The United Nations have expressed concern over the spate of killings in the Philippines. They urged the authorities "to adopt with immediate effect the necessary measures to protect all persons from targeted killings and extrajudicial executions."

Read: UN urges government: Stop extrajudicial killings

According to Yasay, Duterte has already assured the international community that they do not support extrajudicial killings and reiterated his firm commitment to due process and rule of law. 

"He (Duterte) has always ensured that there will be investigations of any allegations of extrajudicial killings." said Yasay.

The defense secretary has also quoted Duterte as saying "the war against illegal drugs must be pursued in the light of our urgent needs, priorities, and even to a certain extent, our historical experience."